Former Indian captain Virat Kohli holds the record for the most centuries in ODI history and remains active only in this format internationally, with many eyes already turning to the 2027 World Cup. The 37-year-old scored 135 off 120 balls, marking his 52nd century in ODIs.

India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, emphasised that there is no point in speculating about the future and urged fans to focus on the present. India posted 349 in the first innings, bolstered by Kohli’s century, which the hosts won by 17 runs in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.

"I don't know why we need to look at all this - he's really batting well, and I don't see any reason we need to talk about his future.

Just the way he's batting, it's just brilliant. The way he's performing, [and] his fitness - there are no questions about anything. I feel such things [the 2027 World Cup] shouldn't even be spoken about after the way he plays and performs. That is something which is two years away. There's no point talking about all this. For us, once the team arrives and we start practice, we just enjoy,” Kotak said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The Indian ODI side benefits from the presence of vastly experienced players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who add significant value to the dressing room beyond their on-field contributions, Kotak noted.

It is not as if they are underperforming either, Rohit’s last three ODI innings have been impressive, scoring 73, 121*, and 57.

"Obviously, they do share their experience with others. I don't think we're talking anything about the 2027 World Cup. They are just brilliant, and they are performing. They are contributing to the team, which is a great thing for us,” said Kotak.

Like Kohli, Rohit Sharma is also active only in ODIs internationally, leaving both with limited game time.

Despite that, for the second successive match, Kohli and Rohit displayed excellent form, putting together a match-winning century partnership. After adding an unbeaten 168 against Australia in Sydney last month, they stitched a stand of 136 in the first ODI against South Africa. Kohli followed his 74* in Sydney with 135 in Ranchi, while Rohit scored 57 at better than a run-a-ball against South Africa, after hitting 121* in the win over Australia.

"They are such experienced players; it's always great to have them.

The way they bat - like today also, that partnership - it makes a huge difference. Obviously, they batted really well,” Kotak concluded.